Monache Meadows Access Question

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VCCruzr

VCCruzr

Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Threads
127
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1,923
Location
San Diego
I have had a family trip planned for Monache Meadows for the end of July ever since I purchased my SoCal Teardop trailer. With my recent flop in Big Bear, I will be unable to use my LX450 to get us there. I do have my daughter's bone stock unlocked 97 40th anniversary addition LC though.

My question: Will a stock unlocked land cruiser have no problem pulling my teardrop up to Monache Meadows?

I do have a spare set of MAF 30mm spring spacers I can throw on and if needed, I am willing to purchase some 33" A/T tires. let me know if this is necessary.

Thanks!

Derrick
 
Derrick,
You should have no problem if you take it easy. There are a couple of rough sponts, but no bad at all.
 
murphy744 said:
Derrick,
You should have no problem if you take it easy. There are a couple of rough sponts, but no bad at all.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I've pulled my M101 CDN in there and haven't ever locked up for anything. You should be just fine.
 
Will it be fine with the stock 31" Michelin LTX tires?
 
Thanks guys! Will post pics after the trip.
 
If I was your daughter, I'd think twice about letting you take my 80 out for some wheel'n.
 
mkfour said:
If I was your daughter, I'd think twice about letting you take my 80 out for some wheel'n.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot Mike! :flipoff2:

You got some good tips for trout fishin'? Just flyline some salmon eggs?
 
IIRC, MM is single hook, with artificials only.

Water is real low and it's not exactly the bait dunking kind of place. Literally the water is 6" in most places.

Places like the Kern in Monache Meadws, the trout are opportunistic feeders. If there's something that looks like food, they'll eat it. Fishing should be slow huring the high sun. Mornings and evenings will be best.

I'd go with a fly and bubble, small leadhead jigs (1/32 oz), and any kind of small lures with single hooks with the barbs smashed down. There's some deeper holes and undercut banks down river from the main crossing. You'll find bigger goldens here and some browns mixed in. Also go upriver above the fish dam. Above the dam, it's mostly goldens. Look for all the deeper, darker holes. There's some bigger browns that primarily feed on the little trout.

Go all the way to the back to camp. It's much nicer there with trees. There's also plenty of hiking.

PM me your address and I'll send you some flies to use on a fly and bubble rig. I can also send you a fly rod outfit to try out if you'd like. You've got a few weeks that you can practice with and watch youtube videos.
 
There are no special fishing regs in Monache. Standard 5 a day 10 in the cooler regs. I just got back from spending two nights up there two weeks ago. There are browns and golden / rainbow hybrids, as well as some type of sucker fish in the SF Kern as it runs through Monache. You will have no problem getting in there in any 4wd vehicle. Getting to the river campsites will provide the most challenge but shouldnt be a problem. You could get into the meadows in a high clearance 2wd with a little enthusiasm. :hillbilly:

Here are some pics I took on my trip. Have fun, its nice up there. :D

Sierra Trout Guy
 
Take a chain saw. If it is dead and down you can burn it and powered saws are allowed. Probably not to bad this year, but last year the north-most sites near the river had a lot of fallen trees blocking access.
 
1FZj80 said:
Take a chain saw. If it is dead and down you can burn it and powered saws are allowed. Probably not to bad this year, but last year the north-most sites near the river had a lot of fallen trees blocking access.
Click to expand...

LOL! If you find the trip report for last year's trip up there, you'll see pics of the downed tree we had to cut thru. No damned chainsaw's either! Just a good old fashioned axe on one side and a folding saw on the other to access the campsite! (edit: pics that were out on JustRuns are gone). Trunk was a good 12-15", but we got thru it and then dragged the section we'd cut out crossing the road out of the way.

I'll be taking my chainsaw this year for sure!!
 
mkfour said:
IIRC, MM is single hook, with artificials only.

Water is real low and it's not exactly the bait dunking kind of place. Literally the water is 6" in most places.

Places like the Kern in Monache Meadws, the trout are opportunistic feeders. If there's something that looks like food, they'll eat it. Fishing should be slow huring the high sun. Mornings and evenings will be best.

I'd go with a fly and bubble, small leadhead jigs (1/32 oz), and any kind of small lures with single hooks with the barbs smashed down. There's some deeper holes and undercut banks down river from the main crossing. You'll find bigger goldens here and some browns mixed in. Also go upriver above the fish dam. Above the dam, it's mostly goldens. Look for all the deeper, darker holes. There's some bigger browns that primarily feed on the little trout.

Go all the way to the back to camp. It's much nicer there with trees. There's also plenty of hiking.

PM me your address and I'll send you some flies to use on a fly and bubble rig. I can also send you a fly rod outfit to try out if you'd like. You've got a few weeks that you can practice with and watch youtube videos.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike! I might take you up on a couple of flies. Not enough time to learn how to use a flyrod for this trip, but I definitely want to learn.

Eric@Yotamasters said:
There are no special fishing regs in Monache. Standard 5 a day 10 in the cooler regs. I just got back from spending two nights up there two weeks ago. There are browns and golden / rainbow hybrids, as well as some type of sucker fish in the SF Kern as it runs through Monache. You will have no problem getting in there in any 4wd vehicle. Getting to the river campsites will provide the most challenge but shouldnt be a problem. You could get into the meadows in a high clearance 2wd with a little enthusiasm. :hillbilly:

Here are some pics I took on my trip. Have fun, its nice up there. :D

Sierra Trout Guy
Click to expand...

Eric,
Thanks for the info and the link to your blog. Very helpful!

1FZj80 said:
Take a chain saw. If it is dead and down you can burn it and powered saws are allowed. Probably not to bad this year, but last year the north-most sites near the river had a lot of fallen trees blocking access.
Click to expand...

I hav e a small chainsaw, might just throw it in the trailer toolbox. Are fire permits required and being issued this year?
 
VCCruzr said:
Eric,
Thanks for the info and the link to your blog. Very helpful!



I hav e a small chainsaw, might just throw it in the trailer toolbox. Are fire permits required and being issued this year?
Click to expand...

No problem. I will most likely get the Funnel Lake pics from last weekend up this coming weekend, and I have dozens of old reports that I will put up as time allows.

Fire permits are required (however you are unlikely to see any rangers up there) and are NOT avail from Blackrock information station. Blackrock station is closed untill further notice. I got mine online as instructed to do by the Kernville ranger station. There is TONS of firewood up there. Have fun. :D
 
Good to know about Blackrock Ranger station being closed Eric. That's where I've picked up my fire permit in past years. Doubt the pit toilets there are being maintained any longer either then?
 
Thanks Eric. Guess it saves one headcount not maning the info center.
 
4 Day Weekend

Our trip to Monache Meadows was epic. Weather was perfect, mosquitos were not pestering us, camping neighbors were respectable, fishing was fun, and best of all, a great family bonding experience. Enjoy the pics.

First pics are of the camp:

215c.webp


211c.webp


344c.webp
 
More Pics of Camp

More...

126c.webp


269c.webp


013c.webp
 
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